UTSA

Texas is awash in cheap natural gas, so much so that hydraulic fracturing rigs have been burning off the gas in their pursuit of the more valuable petroleum.

Many are advocating for the increased usage of this natural gas in the form of vehicles, including passenger and heavy-duty trucking. According to the Texas Railroad Commission, with 7,000 vehicles on Texas Roads, natural gas vehicles are the most popular alternative fueled vehicle in the state.

The University of Texas at San Antonio has added another initiative in its quest to become a Tier One Research university. With the multi-million dollar Goldstar Project, the university hopes to increase its research staff.

The project's goal is to hire 60 new research professionals over the next four years through a $40 million campaign. UTSA President Ricardo Romo says there are 1,000 facility at UTSA currently, 600 of which are researchers.

UTSA has announced another growth spurt for its program that teaches students how to turn their hi-tech ideas into successful businesses.

The university has received a $300,000 grant to expand its Center for Innovation and Technology Entrepreneurship program. The 80/20 Foundation, who provided the funding, gave the grant in hopes that one day someone going through this program will create the next Rackspace.